Dive into the timeless wisdom of Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, and his philosophy. Explore the profound teachings and contributions of this influential Islamic philosopher, physician, and polymath. From his groundbreaking philosophical works to his advancements in medicine and even a famous "proof" for the existence of God. In this episode, we explore the historical context and legacy of one of history's greatest minds. Sources/Recomended Reading: Adamson, Peter (ed.) (2011). "The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy". Cambridge University Press. Gohlman, William E. (translated by) (1974). "The Life of Ibn Sina: A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation". State University of New York Press. Inati, Shams (translated by) (1984). "Remarks and Admonitions: Part One - Logic". Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies. Inati, Shams (1996). "Ibn Sina & Mysticism: Remarks and Admonitions (Part 4 - Sufism)". Routledge. Inati, Shams (translated by) (2014). "Ibn Sina's Remarks and Admonitions: Physics and Metaphysics: An Analysis and Annotated Translation". Columbia University Press. Marmura, Michael E. (translated by) (2005). "Avicenna: The Metaphysics of The Healing". University of Chicago Press. McGinnis, Jon (translated by) (2010). "Avicenna: The Physics of The Healing – A Parallel English–Arabic Text". University of Chicago Press. Morewedge, Parviz (1992). "Neoplatonism and Islamic Thought". State University of New York Press. Suhrawardi (1187). "The Philosophy of Illumination". Translated by John Walbridge & Hossein Ziai. Islamic Translation Series. University of Chicago Press. Winter, Tim (ed.) (2008). "The Cambridge Companion to Islamic Theology". Cambridge University Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Dune and the religious themes that we can find in the books and movies. Sources/Recomended Reading: Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (1994). "The Divine Guide in Early Shi'ism: The Sources of Esotericism in Islam". Translated by David Streight. State University of New York Press. Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (2011). "The Spirituality of Shi'i Islam: Beliefs and Practices". I.B. Tauris. Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn 'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination". Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press. Corbin, Henry (1998). "Alone with the Alone - Creative Imagination in the Sūfism of Ibn 'Arabī". Princeton University Press; Revised edition. McNelly, Willis E. (1987). "The Dune Encyclopedia". Berkley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating and controversial Qalandariyya and similar movements like the Haydais & Shams-i Tabrizis. We also dive into the historical development of this movement, from the early Malamatis to the extreme ascetic dervishes in the Ottoman empire. Sources/Recomended Reading: Dahlén, Ashk (2004). "The Holy Fool in Medieval Islam: The Qalandariyat of Fakhr al-din Araqi". Orientalia Suecana, vol.52. De Bruijn, J.T.P (1999). "The Qalandariyyat in Persian Mystical Poetry, from Sana'i Onwards". In "The Heritage of Sufism, Vol. 2" (Edited by Leonard Lewisohn). Oneworld Publicaions. Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2006). "Gods Unruly Friends: Dervish Groups in the Islamic Later Middle Period, 1200-1550". Oneworld Publications. Sviri, Sara (1999). "Hakim Tirmidhi and the Malamati Movement in Early Sufism". In The Heritage of Sufism, Vol. 1 (Edited by Leonard Lewisohn). Oneworld Publications. Toussulis, Yannis (2011). "Sufism and the Way of Blame: Hidden Sources of a Sacred Psychology". Quest Books, U.S. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this third and final installment of the introductions to Shi'i Islam, we dive into the history and teachings of the Zaydis, the smallest but stillvery significant school that has been a significant part of the history of Yemen. Sources/Recomended Reading: Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (1994). "The Divine Guide in Early Shi'ism: The Sources of Esotericism in Islam". Translated by David Streight. State University of New York Press. Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (2011). "The Spirituality of Shi'i Islam: Beliefs and Practices". I.B. Tauris. Daftary, Farhad (2007). "The Isma'ilis: Their history and doctrines". Cambridge University Press. Haider, Najam (2012). "The Origins of the Shi'ia: Identity, Ritual, and Sacred Space in Eighth-Century Kufa". Cambridge University Press. Haider, Najam (2014). "Shi'i Islam: An Introduction". Cambridge University Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Abd al-Qadir al-Jaza'iri. From his leadership during the Algerian resistance against French colonization to his commitment to his Islamic religious beliefs & sufi mysticism. Abd al-Qadir impact reverberates through history. Join us as we explore one of the most fascinating and inspiring figures of modern history. Sources/Recomended Reading: Bouyerdene, Ahmed (2012). "Emir Abd El-Kader: Hero and Saint of Islam". World Wisdom Books. Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn 'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination". Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press. Chodkiewicz, Michel (ed.) (1995). "The Spiritual Writings of Amir ʿAbd al-Kader". State University of New York Press. Caner Dagli (translated by) (2004). Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Great Books of the Islamic World. Kazi Pubns Inc. Kiser, John W (2015). "Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abd El-Kader". Monkfish Book Publishing Company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the fascinating world of Zoroastrianism, its ancient hsitory and ethical teachings, from its origins with the prophet Zarathushtra through the Achaemenid, Parthian and Sasanian empires and all the way until today. Discover how Zoroastrianism might be one of the most important religions in history, influencing some of the most famous and popular religons and philosophies in the world. Sources/Recomended Reading: Boyce, Mary (2000). "Zoroastrians: Their Their Religious Beliefs and Practices". Routledge; 2nd edition. Dahlén, Ashk (transl.) (2023). "Zarathustra: Sånger". h:ström. Humbach, Helmut & Pallan Ichaporia (transl.) (1994). "The Heritage of Zarathushtra: A New Translation of His Gathas. Universitatsverlag Winter. Moazami, Mahnaz (ed.) (2016). "Zoroastrianism: A collection of Articles from the Encyclopedia Iranica". ENCYCLOPAEDIA IRANICA FOUNDATION. 2 Volumes. Rose, Jenny (2019). "Zoroastrianism: An Introduction". I.B. Tauris Introduction to Religions. Bloomsbury Academic. Strausberg, Michael; & Yuhan Sohrab-Dinshaw Vevaina (ed.) (2015). "The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Zoroastrianism". Wiley-Blackwell. A second translation of the Gathas: http://avesta.org/dastur/Dinshaw_J_Irani_The_Gathas.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delve into the enigmatic practices, sacred rituals, and esoteric beliefs that shaped the spiritual & philosophical landscape of the ancient Hellenic world. From the Eleusinian Mysteries to the Oracle at Delphi, Pythagoreans and the writings of Plato, join us as we unravel the mysticism that infused every aspect of ancient Greek life, exploring the aspects that continues to captivate our imaginations today. Sources/Recomended Reading: Bowden, Hugh (2010). "Mystery cults in the Ancient World". Thames and Hudson Ltd. Burkert, William (1982). "Greek Religion". Harvard University Press. Burkert, William (1988). "Ancient Mystery Cults". Harvard University Press. Cooper, John M. et. al (translated by) (1997). "Plato: Complete Works". Hackett Publishing. Dodds, E.R. (2004). "The Greeks & The Irrational". University of California Press. Evans, Nancy A. “Sanctuaries, Sacrifices, and the Eleusinian Mysteries.” Numen, Vol. 49, No. 3 (2002): 227-254. Mylonas, George E. “Eleusis and the Eleusinian Mysteries.” The Classical Journal, Vol. 43, No. 3 (1947): 130-146. Ustinova, Yulia (2017). "Divine Mania: Alterations of Consciousness in Ancient Greece". Routledge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue our series on mysticism by exploring Judaism and its mystical tradition, including the famous Kabbalah but also going beyond it. Sources/Recomended Reading: Dan, Joseph (1986). "The Early Kabbalah". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press. Fine, Lawrence (2003). "Physician of the Soul, Healer of the Cosmos: Isaac Luria and His Kabbalistic Fellowship". Stanford University Press. Idel, Moshe (1987). "The Mystical Experience in Abraham Abulafia". State University of New York Press. Idel, Moshe (1988). "Studies in Ecstatic Kabbalah". State University of New York Press. Idel, Moshe (1990). "Kabbalah: New Perspectives". Yale University Press. Idel, Moshe (1995). "Hasidism: Between Ecstacy and Magic". SUNY Press. Kaplan, Aryeh (translated by) (1990). "The Bahir: Illumination". Red Wheel/Weiser; Revised ed. edition. Kraemer, Joel L. (2010). "Maimonides: The Life and World of one of Civilization's Greatest Minds". Doubleday & Co Inc. Krassen, Mosheh Aaron. “Introduction: Rabbi Israel Ba’al Shem Tov: Prophet of a New Paradigm.” In Israel ben Eliezer. Pillar of Prayer. Translated by Menachem Kallus. Louisville, KY: Fons Vitae, 2010. Lobel, Diana (2021). "Moses and Abraham Maimonides: Encountering the Divine". Academic Studies Press. Miller, Moshe (translated by) (1994). "The Palm Tree of Devorah". Targum. Russ-Fishbane, Elisha (2015). "Judaism, Sufism, and the Pietists of Medieval Egypt: A study of Abraham Maimonides and his times". Oxford University Press. Scholem, Gershom (1995). "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism". Schocken Books; Revised edition. Scholem, Gershom (1996). "On the Kabbalah and its Symbolism". Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group; Revised ed. edition. Wolfson, Elliot R. (1997). “Jewish mysticism: A Philosophical Overview,” in History of Jewish Philosophy, Daniel Frank, Oliver Leaman (eds.). Wolfson, Eliot R. (2011). “Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia and the Prophetic Kabbalah”. In Jewish Mysticism & Kabbalah (ed. Frederick E. Greenspahn). New York University Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We countinue or Christmas special this year by reading the third sermon by the catholic mystic Meister Eckhart. The translation used here is by Maurice O'C Walshe in the volume "The Complete Mysical Works of Meister Eckhart", which is highly recomended. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! We end our Christmas special this year by reading the fourth and last sermon by the catholic mystic Meister Eckhart. The translation used here is by Maurice O'C Walshe in the volume "The Complete Mysical Works of Meister Eckhart", which is highly recomended. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We countinue or Christmas special this year by reading the third sermon by the catholic mystic Meister Eckhart. The translation used here is by Maurice O'C Walshe in the volume "The Complete Mysical Works of Meister Eckhart", which is highly recomended. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Council of Nicea is probably one of the most misrepresented events in early Christianity, with a lot of misinformation being spread around on social media. The same goes for Arius, the Arians and what they actually believed. In this video, we tackle these topics and try to give a more proper overview of the complexities of early Christian theology. Sources/Recomended Reading: Brakke, David (2012). "Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Christianity". Harvard University Press. King, Karen (2003). "What is Gnosticism?". Harvard University Press. Williams, Rowan (2002). "Arius: Heresy & Tradition". Eerdmans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating spiritual and philosophical teachings of the non-canonical Gospel of Philip. Often termed a "gnostic" text, this incredible ancient document contains some truly interesting ideas, and a very controversial and famous account of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Sources/Recomended Reading: Brakke, David (2012). "Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Christianity". Harvard University Press. King, Karen (2003). "What is Gnosticism?". Harvard University Press. Meyer, Marvin (ed.) (2009). "The Nag Hammadi Scriptures: The Revised and Updated Translation of Sacred Gnostic Texts". HarperOne; International, Reprint, Revised, Updated edition. Smith, Geoffrey S. (2020). "Valentinian Christianity – Texts and Translations". University of California Press. Van den Broek, Roelof (2013). "Gnostic Religion in Antiquity". Cambridge University Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sources/Recomended Reading: Gendle, Nicholas (translated by) (1982). "Gregory Palamas: The Triads". In the "Classics of Western Spirituality Series". Paulist Press. Greer, Rowan A. (1979). "Origen: Selected Writings". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press. Hart, Columba (translated by) (1980). "Hadewijch: Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press. Laird, Martin (2004). "Gregory of Nyssa and the grasp of faith: union, knowledge and divine presence". Oxford University Press. Lossky, Vladimir (1944). "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church". James Clarke & Co. Luibheid, Colm (Translated by) (1987). "Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press International. McGinn, Bernard. "The Presence of God" Series, in several volumes. Perhaps the best and most comprehensive introduction to Christian mysticism. Published by Crossroad Publishing Co. McGinn, Bernard (2001). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart: The Man From Whom God Hid Nothing". Crossroad Publishing Co. "Meister Eckhart: The Essential Sermons, Commentaries, Treatises and Defense". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press. "Meister Eckhart: Teacher and Preacher". Classics of Western Spirituality Series. Paulist Press. Tobin, Frank (translated by) (1997). "Mechthild of Magdeburg: The Flowing Light of the Godhead". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press. Walshe, Maurice O.C. (translated by) (2010). "The Complete Mystical Works of Meister Eckhart". Crossroad Publishing Company. Ware, Timothy (2015). "The Orthodox Church: An introduction to Eastern Christianity". New Edition. Penguin Books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this interview with the amazing Professor David Thurfjell, we talk about the contemporary phenomenon of nature spirituality in the Nordic countries. Has the concept of "nature" become a main source of meaning for Scandinavians, and maybe even replaced the function of religion? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally, we're talking about the incredibly significant Persian sufi poet Jalal al-din Rumi. This video provides an in-depth analysis of Rumi's life, poetic themes, literary contributions, and their significance in the context of Sufism and Persian literature. Thank you to Safa Mirror for the beautiful reading of the Song of the Reed! Link to channel: https://www.youtube.com/@safamirror Sources/Recomended Reading: Chittick, William (1983). "The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi". SUNY Press. Feldman, Walter (2022). "From Rumi to the Whirling Dervishes: Music, Poetry, and Mysticism in the Ottoman Empire". Edinburgh University Press. Gamard, Ibrahim & Rawan Farhadi (translated by) (2008). "The Quatrains of Rumi". Sufi Dari Books. Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2006). God's Unruly Friends: Dervish Groups in the Islamic Middle Period 1200-1550. Oneworld Publications. Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2007). "Sufism - the formative period". Edinburgh University Press. Knysh, Alexander (2000). "Islamic Mysticism: A Short History". Brill. Lewis, Franklin D. (2000). "Rumi: Past and Present, East and West". Oneworld publications. Thackston, W.M. (translated by) (1999). "Signs of the Unseen: The Discourses of Jalaluddin Rumi". Shambala. Williams, Alan (translated by) (2020). "The Masnavi of Rumi: A New English Translation with Explanatory Notes". Book 1 & 2. I.B. Tauris. Also check out the work of Sharghzade/Persian Poetics: https://twitter.com/persianpoetics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embark on an intellectual journey into the realm of Sufism. Explore the intricate history, philosophical underpinnings, and mystical practices that have shaped this fascinating tradition. Join me as we delve into the topic of Sufi mysticism, shedding light on its profound impact on Islam & its history. Sources/Recomended Reading: Abu-n Nasr, Jamil M. (2007). "Muslim Communities of Grace: The Sufi Brotherhoods in Islamic Religious Life". C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd. "Al-Qushayri's Epistle on Sufism - Al-Risala Al Qushayriyya Fi 'ilm Al-Tasawwuf". Translated by Alexander Knysh. 2020. The Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization. Avery, Kenneth S. (2004). "A Psychology of Early Sufi Sama: Listening and altered states". Routledge. Casewit, Yousef (2017). "The Mystics of al-Andalus: Ibn Barrajan and Islamic Thought in the Twelfth Century". Cambridge University Press. Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn 'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination". Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press. Cornell, Vincent J. (1998). "Realm of the Saint: Power and Authority in Moroccan Sufism". University of Texas Press. Caner Dagli (translated by) (2004). Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Great Books of the Islamic World. Kazi Pubns Inc. Ernst, Carl W. & Bruce B. Lawrence (2003). "Sufi Martyrs of Love: The Chishti Order in South Asia and beyond". Palgrave Macmillan. Homerin, Emil (Translated by) (2001). "'Umar Ibn al-Farid: Sufi Verse, Saintly Life". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press. Homerin, Emil (2019). "Aisha al-Ba'uniyya: A Life in Praise of Love". Makers of the Muslim World Series. Oneworld Publications. Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2006). God's Unruly Friends: Dervish Groups in the Islamic Middle Period 1200-1550. Oneworld Publications. Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2007). "Sufism - the formative period". Edinburgh University Press. Knysh, Alexander (2000). "Islamic Mysticism: A Short History". Brill. Knysh, Alexander (2019). "Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism". Princeton University Press. Lewis, Franklin D. (2000). "Rumi: Past and Present, East and West". Oneworld publications. Malik, Jamal & John Hinnells (ed.) (2006). "Sufism in the West". Routledge. Ridgeon, Lloyd (ed.) (2015). "The Cambridge Companion to Sufism". Cambridge University Press. Schimmel, Annemarie (1975). "Mystical Dimensions of Islam". The University of North Carolina Press. Van Bruinessen, Martin & Julia Day Howell (ed). (2007). "Sufism and the Modern in Islam". I.B. Tauris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embark on an intellectual odyssey as we delve into the depths of Stoicism, the profound philosophy that has captivated minds for centuries. In this video, we unravel the intricate principles of Stoicism and examine its relevance in history and today. Expand your understanding of Stoicism's enduring impact on the history of philosphy, religion and esotericism. Sources/Suggested Reading: Brennan, Tad (2007). "The Stoic Life: Emotions, Duties and Fate". Oxford University Press. Campbell, Robin (Translated by) (2004). "Letters from a Stoic: Epistulae Morales Ad Lucilium (Seneca)". Penguin Classics. Dobbin, Robert (Translated by) (2008). "Discourses and Selected Writings: Epictetus". Penguin Classics. Gould, Josiah B. (1970). "The Philosophy of Chrysippus". SUNY Press. Hammond, Martin (Translated by) (2006). "Meditations: Marcus Aurelius". Penguin Classics. Inwood, Brad (ed.) (2003). "The Cambridge Companion to the Stoics". Cambridge University Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year we are celebrating the Christmas season by reading the amazing advent sermons of the german mystic philosopher Meister Eckhart. There are three more sermons coming after this one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delve into the philosophical and theological parallels that shaped the development of early Christian thought. From the influence of Plotinus and his concepts of the One and the emanation of divine beings, to the fusion of Platonic ideas with Christian theology, this video uncovers the intellectual interplay that helped shape the foundations of Western spirituality. Explore how Neoplatonic concepts, such as the nature of the soul, the hierarchy of being, and the pursuit of the divine, found resonance within Christian doctrines. Sources/Suggested Reading: Gerson, Loyd P. (ed.) (2019). "Plotinus: The Enneads". Cambridge University Press. Gerson, Loyd P (2008). "Cambridge Companion to Plotinus". Cambridge University Press. Greer, Rowan A. (1979). "Origen: Selected Writings". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press. Laird, Martin (2004). "Gregory of Nyssa and the grasp of faith: union, knowledge and divine presence". Oxford University Press. Lossky, Vladimir (1944). "The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church". James Clarke & Co. Luibheid, Colm (Translated by) (1987). "Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete Works". Classics of Western Spirituality. Paulist Press International. McGinn, Bernard (2003). "The Mystical Thought of Meister Eckhart: The Man from Whom God Hid Nothing". Independent Publishers Group. O'Meara, Dominic J. (1981). "Neoplatonism and Christian Thought". State University of New York Press. Pine-Coffin, R.S. (Translated by) (2003). "Confessions". Penguin Classics. Proclus "The Elements of Theology: A Revised Text with Translation, Introduction, and Commentary". Translated by E.R. Dodds. Second Edition. Oxford University Press. O'Meara, Dominic J. (1999). "Plotinus: An Introduction to the Enneads". Oxford University Press. Wallis, R.T. (1998). "Neoplatonism". Second Edition. Bristol Classical Paperbacks. Hackett Publishing Company. Ware, Timothy (2015). "The Orthodox Church: An introduction to Eastern Christianity". New Edition. Penguin Books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.